Insurance Blog
Top Three Reasons Why People Buy Life Insurance
Before you get life insurance coverage, you should understand why you need it. While there are many reasons to buy life insurance, the most common reasons include:
- Final expenses: Final expenses refer to any expenses related to someone’s passing. This can include a casket, funeral, preparations, memorial service, cremation and more. Life insurance for final expenses is worth considering—after all, the National Funeral Directors Association reports that the median price of a funeral with a casket is around $7,850. Families without enough funds are forced to cut back on the service or ask friends and family for donations. Some families have turned to crowdfunding to help cover the cost. A modest term life insurance policy can unburden your loved ones by taking care of these expenses.
- Income replacement: Your loved ones depend on your income to meet daily needs for food, medical care, utilities, car payments and much more. There are also future costs like a child’s college education or contributions you would have made toward a surviving spouse’s retirement. If you pass away without a means for replacing your income, their standard of living could be in serious jeopardy. Having a life insurance policy in place can help provide financial security and the ability to maintain your current lifestyle (especially if you stay home with young children). How much life insurance you need is based on two factors: your salary and the number of years until you retire. An insurance agent will also account for any other factors such as Social Security benefits, your partner’s income, your debt and your savings. Always aim to buy the amount you really need—but also remember that something is better than nothing when it comes to life insurance coverage. (Spoiler alert: it’s more affordable than you may think!)
- Paying off a mortgage: A mortgage is often the biggest single line item in a person’s budget. Could your family afford your home’s mortgage without your paycheck in the picture? If not, an already sad situation would be compounded by the family possibly losing the house they love. This could also mean your children could no longer attend a school in their current district or maintain the friendships they currently have. Life insurance can pay off an outstanding mortgage so your family can enjoy the home they love without the burden of outstanding payments.
These are the three most common reasons people purchase life insurance. Yet there are many other reasons for buying life insurance, such as building or leaving an inheritance, saving for retirement, protecting student loan co-signers and more.
Life Insurance=Love Insurance
February is Insure Your Love month and the campaign is coordinated each year by Life Happens. Make sure to connect with your local ERIE Insurance agent to insure your love with life insurance.
Life Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. Life Happens Pro furthers its mission of educating the public by making its resources customizable and putting them directly into the hands of agents.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 2 February 2023 | 9:00 pm
How Cold Weather Affects Tire Pressure
From corrosive road salt to slick roads, winter creates many challenges for drivers. Another one to add to the list: Tire pressure dips caused by lower temperatures.
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is an important part of getting the best performance out of your vehicle – especially during the winter months. After all, your tires represent the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road ahead.
Related: Whoa: Here’s What Road Salt Does to Your Car
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your tires aired up.
Why is tire pressure important?
Your tires require a certain amount of air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), to work properly. Too little (or too much) air can lead to poor vehicle handling, irregular tire wear and the potential for a flat.
How do I measure tire pressure?
There are a few ways to tell if you need to air up your tires. If your vehicle was made after 2007, then it’s equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). These systems will display a warning light on your dashboard if a tire has dropped below the recommended pressure. Hint: the symbol, which was designed to look like the cross-section of a tire, is similar to an exclamation point between two parentheses – (!).
If your vehicle isn’t equipped with TPMS, you can always check your tire pressure using a gauge. To use the tire pressure gauge, remove the plastic cap on your tire’s valve stem. Then, push the gauge onto the stem to get a pressure reading. If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, you can pick one up at most gas stations or any auto parts store.
Does tire pressure drop in colder weather?
If it seems your tire pressure warning light is going off more during the winter, it’s probably not your imagination. That’s because air contracts when it’s cold, causing tire pressure to drop between one and two psi for every 10-degree decrease in temperature. This means that your tires could be 5 to 10 psi lower than required on a 24-degree day than they are on a 74-degree day.
Related: 8 Things Your Car Needs in Winter
What psi should I inflate my tires to?
When it comes to inflating your tires, one mistake drivers sometimes make is to inflate their tires to the psi rating printed on the tire sidewall. But that reading is the tire’s maximum inflation pressure – which is often much higher than the inflation pressure recommended for your vehicle.
To get your vehicle’s recommended psi rating, check the sticker located in the door jamb of your driver’s side door. The recommended tire pressure should also be printed in your owner’s manual.
How long can you drive with low pressure?
When your tire pressure is low, you should inflate them to the recommended pressure as soon as possible. Underinflated tires wear more quickly and unevenly. This makes them more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Both handling and braking are compromised when there’s not enough air in the tires. And if that’s not enough, underinflated tires are also a drag on your fuel economy.
Where can I get air?
If you find out that your tires need air, you can either inflate them with your own portable air compressor or use an air compressor at a gas station. For a few dollars, it’s worth investing in your own pressure gauge. The ones at gas stations are convenient, but since they’re used often and exposed to the elements, they’re more likely to be inaccurate.
Many gas stations have free air and are automatic – you just set the intended psi. Take the time to carefully read the instructions if it’s your first time or ask the gas station attendant for help. It may not be the most fun part of owning a car, but it really is important.
Related: How To Keep Your Car Running for 200,000+ Miles
When is the best time to check tire pressure?
To get the most accurate reading, you should check your tires after your vehicle has been sitting for a few hours, and before you start driving. This is called “cold” pressure, because it’s the pressure reading before your tires (and the air inside them) have a chance to warm up from driving.
You should also make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. While you can rely on your vehicle’s TPMS system, a warning light usually only goes off once the tire pressure reaches a certain threshold – meaning your tires could be underinflated well before the warning light comes on.
Should I overinflate my tires if I know it’s getting colder?
Just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to overinflate your tires. Your vehicle was engineered to perform best with the tires inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressure. Stick to those numbers, and your tires will perform at their best.
If you think your tires aren’t up to the job of winter driving, you might want to consider swapping them out. Read more in our ultimate guide to snow tires.
Why does my warning light go out after I start driving?
If your tire pressure is right on the threshold of setting off your TPMS warning, you may find that the TPMS light goes off after you start driving. That’s because driving generates heat in your tires, and heat causes air to expand – raising your tire pressure.
But even if your light goes off after driving, your tires are still underinflated. So, air them up as soon as you can.
Are there other reasons why tire pressure is low?
Temperatures aren’t the only factor that can affect tire pressure. If you inflate your tires to the proper psi but they’re low the next day, chances are there’s more than cold weather to blame. Your tires are likely leaking air.
A slow leak could be caused by a small puncture in your tire, or a bad seal between the tire and wheel. Either way, your best bet is to take your car to an automotive service center to get it inspected by a professional.
What should I do if my tire is flat?
If your tire is completely flat, then you have a few options. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and you’re comfortable with the challenge, you can save some time by changing it yourself. Watch how to change a tire in this guide from Popular Mechanics.
If you’d rather leave it to a pro, Road Service from Erie Insurance can help save the day. It’s an extra service that doesn’t cost a lot, but you’ll be glad to have it when you need it. You can add Road Service* to your auto policy for about $5 per vehicle per year if your policy includes comprehensive coverage.
Related: What to Know About Adding Road Service to Your Auto Policy
Better yet? The service is there for you 24/7. To get a free quote, contact your local Erie Insurance agent.
*This program does not cover accident-related towing.
From corrosive road salt to black ice formed, winter creates plenty of challenges for drivers. Here’s another one to add to the list: Tire pressure dips caused by lower temperatures.
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is an important part of getting the best performance out of your vehicle – especially during the winter months. Because after all, your tires represent the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road ahead.
To keep your car rolling smoothly all year long, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your tires.
Why is Tire Pressure Important?
Your tires require a certain amount of air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), to work properly. Failing to regularly check your tire pressure is a bad habit that’s not good for your car.
Too little (or too much) air can lead to poor vehicle handling, irregular tire wear and the potential for a flat. Underinflated tires can hit your wallet, too. That’s because the drop in air pressure increases rolling resistance – leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
How Do I Measure Tire Pressure?
There are a few ways to tell if you need to air up your tires. If your vehicle was made after 2007, then it’s equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
This vehicle safety system will display a warning light on your dashboard if a tire has dropped below the recommended pressure. The symbol, which was designed to look like the cross-section of a tire, is similar to an exclamation point between two parentheses – (!).
If your vehicle isn’t equipped with TPMS, you should regularly check your tire pressure using a gauge. To use a tire pressure gauge, remove the plastic cap on your tire’s valve stem. Then, push the gauge onto the stem to get a pressure reading. If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, you can pick one up at most gas stations or any auto parts store. The automatic tire inflation machines at gas stations typically provide a PSI reading for each tire, too.
Check out our helpful how-to video here:
Does Tire Pressure Drop in Colder Weather?
If it seems like your tire pressure warning light is going off more during the winter, it’s probably not your imagination. That’s because air contracts when it’s cold, causing tire pressure to drop between one and two psi for every 10-degree decrease in temperature. This means that your tires could be inflated 5 to 10 PSI lower on a 24-degree day than they are on a 74-degree day. So, if the last time you checked your tire pressure was during the summer, it’s time to take updated readings.
What PSI Should I Inflate My Tires to?
When it comes to airing up your tires, one mistake drivers sometimes make is to inflate their tires to the PSI rating printed on the tire sidewall. But that reading is the tire’s maximum inflation pressure – which is much higher than the inflation pressure recommended for your vehicle. This not only has a negative impact on your car’s handling – it could potentially lead to a blowout.
To get your vehicle’s recommended PSI rating, check the sticker located on the door jamb of your driver’s side door. The recommended tire pressure should also be printed in your owner’s manual.
How Long Can You Drive with Low Pressure?
When your tire pressure is low, you should inflate the tires to the recommended pressure as soon as possible. Underinflated tires wear more quickly and unevenly. This makes them more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Handling, braking and fuel economy are also compromised when there’s not enough air in the tires.
Where Can I Get Air?
If you find out that your tires need air, you can either inflate them with your own portable air compressor or use an air compressor at a gas station. For a few dollars, it’s worth investing in your own pressure gauge to keep in the car. The ones at gas stations are convenient, but since they’re used often and exposed to the elements, they’re more likely to be inaccurate.
Some gas stations have free air pumps that are automatic – you just set the intended PSI. Take the time to carefully read the instructions if it’s your first time or ask the gas station attendant for help. It may not be the most fun part of owning a car, but it really is important.
When is the Best Time to Check Tire Pressure?
To get the most accurate reading, you should check your tires after your vehicle has been sitting for a few hours and before you start driving. This is called “cold” pressure, because it’s the pressure reading before your tires (and the air inside them) have a chance to warm up from driving – which raises the PSI reading.
Why Does My Warning Light Go Out After I Start Driving?
If your tire pressure is right on the threshold of setting off your TPMS warning, you may find that the TPMS light goes off after you start driving. That’s because driving generates heat in your tires, and heat causes air to expand – raising your tire pressure. But even if your light goes off after driving, your tires are still underinflated. So, air them up as soon as you can.
You should also make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. While you can rely on your vehicle’s TPMS system, a warning light usually only goes off once the tire pressure reaches a certain threshold (typically about 25% below the recommended pressure). That means your tires could be underinflated well before the warning light ever comes on.
Should I Overinflate My Tires if I Know it’s Getting Colder?
Just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to overinflate your tires. Your vehicle was engineered to perform best with the tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Stick to those numbers, and your tires will perform at their best.
The only time you may want to overinflate your tires is when you plan to park your car for an extended period of time. When your car sits stationary for a month or more, flat spots can start to form in the tires. Essentially, the tires develop a type of memory that prevents them from being completely round. This phenomenon causes vibration when you drive the car after storage – and it’s made worse by low tire pressures.
If you think your tires aren’t up to the job of winter driving, you might want to consider swapping them out for snow tires.
Are There Other Reasons Why Tire Pressure is Low?
Temperatures aren’t the only factor that can affect tire pressure. If you inflate your tires to the proper PSI but they’re low the next day, chances are there’s more than cold weather to blame. Your tires are likely leaking air.
A slow leak could be caused by a small puncture in your tire or a bad seal between the tire and wheel. Either way, your best bet is to take your car to an automotive service center to get it inspected by a professional.
What Should I Do if My Tire is Flat?
If your tire is completely flat, then you have a few options. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and you’re comfortable with the challenge, you can save some time by changing it yourself. For those needing a quick refresher, check out this blog post on how to change a flat tire.
If you’d rather leave it to a pro, Emergency Roadside Service coverage1 can help save the day. It’s an extra service that doesn’t cost a lot, but you’ll be glad to have it when you need it. You can add Emergency Roadside Service coverage to your auto policy for about $5 per vehicle per year if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Better yet? The service is there for you 24/7.
Get Back On The Road With ERIE
Don’t let a flat tire ruin your day. With ERIE’s Emergency Roadside Service coverage, you can get help with lockouts, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns and dead batteries, and it can even save the day when your car runs out of gas. To learn more about auto insurance from ERIE, contact an insurance agent today.
1Roadside Service coverage (Towing and Labor Costs coverage in North Carolina and Virginia) is only available when comprehensive coverage has been purchased on the vehicle. Limitations vary by state. Delivery of gas is included at no additional cost; policyholder will pay for the gas.ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 26 January 2023 | 9:00 pm
How to Declutter Your Home, Once and for All
While there are many benefits to downsizing, there’s an important question you have to ask yourself before you get started: “What am I going to do with all my stuff?”
That’s where decluttering comes in.
Simply put, decluttering is the methodical practice of removing all the unused, unwanted or unnecessary items (i.e. “clutter”) in your home. And while it’s a helpful practice for those looking to downsize and streamline the moving process, it can also benefit homeowners and renters—at any stage—who are staying put in their abode.
Put a plan together to tackle the stuff in your home, once and for all. Keep reading for our best decluttering tips.
The Unexpected Benefits of Decluttering
Sure, decluttering will be helpful as you begin the process of downsizing. But there are some surprising added benefits to jumping on the bandwagon:
- It could put some extra cash in your pocket. Between garage sales and websites like Craigslist, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, there are many available avenues to offload your unused items. Another way you could reap a financial benefit from decluttering is by eliminating the need for a storage unit which can cost, on average, between $60 and $180 a month (possibly even more if it’s temperature-controlled). While it may not be an option for everyone, getting rid of that storage space could save you hundreds of dollars every year. And that’s extra cash you could put toward moving expenses or improving your home.
- It can help improve your mental health and overall well-being. An article in Psychology Today highlights six benefits of decluttering including helping reduce anxiety and rediscovering “lost” items.
- It can help ease any future burdens. If downsizing needs to happen unexpectedly and quickly, it can be a huge relief for your family and loved ones to know that you’ve already gone through your home and discarded those things you didn’t want, need or use.
How Should I Declutter?
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at the thought of sorting and clearing items that have accumulated in your home for years.
But fear not. It all boils down to having the right plan in place before tackling your first project. To get started, AARP recommends these eight easy ways to declutter any space in your home.
- Remove trash. Bring a garbage bag into a room and throw away anything that is legitimately trash, especially items that are broken.
- Start small. Begin your decluttering journey by focusing on one easy-to-tackle area, like your linen closet or kitchen junk drawer.
- Get sorting. As you work your way through the area you’re decluttering, organize your items into three piles: keep, donate and toss.
- Give everything a home. Find a specific place to store or display the things you plan to keep. For example, designate a drawer for your phone power cords or a basket for your TV remotes.
- Store like with like. Group similar items together so you’ll always know where to find them. For example, keep the screwdriver out of the junk drawer and stow it away in your toolbox where it belongs.
- Enforce the “one in, one out” rule. If you buy something new, find something to either donate or toss to keep the number of items in your home down to a minimum.
- Ask before continuing to store something. You may have some favorite items that you’re planning to pass down to the next generation. But does your granddaughter even like your wedding china? Now is the time to ask your heirs if they want the items you’re holding on to for them. And be prepared if they say no.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Pace yourself. Trying to do everything at once could set yourself up for failure. Instead, you should set aside small chunks of time that are dedicated to decluttering and organizing your home, and commit to tackling it on a consistent basis.
These steps are a great jumping-off point for your entire decluttering process. Just make sure that you consider holding on to the items that every home needs.
Take a Home Inventory
And as you go room by room to sort through your belongings, it’s a great time to start your home inventory.
That way, you’ll have a comprehensive list of all your personal possessions, along with their estimated values, to help protect the contents of your home if you ever have to file a homeowners insurance claim after a fire or other major disaster.
Room-by-Room Considerations
The Office
- Organize your paperwork. One of the primary things that accumulate in any office is paperwork. Do you know what you should keep and what you should shred? You should always keep important items like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, military service records, pension and estate-planning documents, and life insurance policies. Personal health and vehicle records, loan documents, savings bonds and more should be kept on file but reviewed annually to ensure they’re up to date. Other items like receipts, bank statements and credit card bills can be kept for one year (or less).
- Get rid of unused electronics. Maybe it’s an old laptop or a digital camera with a missing power cord. Explore your local options for recycling unused electronics; just make sure you’ve removed all of your personal data from those devices before getting rid of them.
- When it comes to children’s artwork, keep your favorites. Each piece of art your children (or grandchildren) hand you is special. But give it time and you’ll soon have a collection the size of a museum shoved in your office closet. Instead, pull out your favorite pieces and create an art wall in your home, or put together your own themed display.
- Protect treasured memories. As much as we cherish our photo collections, let’s be honest: most of us do little to organize them. You may have boxes of physical photos tucked away in a closet, or thousands of digital files stored on a hard drive. Consider putting physical photos in a new album and storing them in a cool, dark and dry place.
The Garage
- Get your stuff off the floor. Storage solutions like angled brackets, bungee cords, mason jars, large baskets and magnetic strips secured to the walls can help you find a home for everything you decide to keep in your garage.
- Organize for safety. Since you’re probably in and out of your garage almost daily, it’s easy to have a blind spot to potential dangers such as sharp tools and electrical hazards. So, after you’ve sorted through the items in your garage, make sure you organize and stow them safely. Lock up your tools, get rid of tripping hazards, securely store items like ladders and make sure you have safety essentials like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
The Kitchen
- Check the expiration dates. Check the “use by” and “best by” dates as you work your way through your pantry, spice cabinet, refrigerator and freezer. Get rid of anything that’s expired. You might be surprised by how much room this creates.
- Reassess your duplicates. Sure, it’s nice to have a few spare spatulas, mixing spoons or measuring cups on hand. But are your duplicates so out of control that you have a hard time closing your drawers or shoving one more ladle into a crock on your counter? Go through all your utensils and take an objective look at what you need, what’s nice to have and what can be donated.
- Match your storage containers and lids. How many of us are guilty of having a random lid that doesn’t have a partner but is still shoved in a cupboard somewhere? Take the time to go through your containers and make sure each one has a cover. Discard those without matches, or find a new use for them.
- Free your fridge. On the outside, that is. Go through everything that’s displayed on it and remove any outdated notices or old artwork from your kids. Keep only what you feel comfortable with, and toss or store what you’re willing to let go.
- Get creative. You can reorganize or reconfigure your current space to make room for something practical that you’ll actually use, like more pantry space.
The Bedroom
- Thin your closet. Are your dressers and closets overflowing with clothes you never wear? Go through your wardrobe and purge any items that haven’t seen the light of day for years. And remember to be honest with yourself about what you’ll realistically use—or fit into. You can generate some extra cash by selling your best items to a resale shop (or online marketplace), then donate the rest.
- Empty the nightstands. Sometimes we use nightstands, end tables, drawers and under-bed storage containers to stash items that will be long forgotten. Go through all these hidden storage places and decide what’s really worth keeping. The rest can go.
- Prioritize rest. According to SleepFoundation.org, visual clutter can create stress and impact the quality of sleep we receive. So taking a few moments to assess what you have in your bedroom and following general decluttering guidelines might help you get a better night’s rest. And if you have a TV in your room, that may need to find a new “home,” too, as watching TV before bed can have a negative impact on a good night’s rest.
Homeowners Insurance You Can Trust
Home is not just a place; it’s a feeling, too. At Erie Insurance, we get how important “home” is, and we’re here to help protect it. Talk to your local ERIE agent to get a no-obligation homeowners insurance quote. With an agent’s help, you can be confident in your coverage — and your home.ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 24 January 2023 | 9:00 pm
How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents' Car Insurance?
There are the exciting parts to growing up: buying your first car, furnishing an apartment to your specific style and that moment when the waitstaff doesn’t card you. Then there’s the not-so-exciting part: the realization of how expensive the world is once your parents stop footing the bill. I’ll be on my parents’ phone plan as long as they’ll have me, but when it comes to other “adult” expenses, like insurance, you’re probably wondering how long you have before you get kicked off.
If your parents have Erie Insurance for their home or auto needs, you might be happily surprised that you can keep that coverage, whether staying on their auto policy a little longer or simply sticking with the same independent ERIE agent, to help you with your insurance needs.
Can a 26-Year-Old be on Their Parents’ Car Insurance?
As your resident 25-year-old working in insurance, the good news (at least for us) is that unlike health insurance, there isn’t an age limit that prevents someone from staying on mom or dad’s insurance. However, when you permanently move out and change your address or you purchase your own vehicle, you’ll need your own insurance policy.
Do I Need My Own Insurance Policy When I Go to College?
If you’re bringing your car to campus, whether it’s a few hours or states away from home, you can remain on your parents’ auto policy so long as you aren’t permanently moving to your college town. However, if you plan on making your college town your new home, see the next question.
Can I Stay on My Parents’ Car Insurance if I Move Out?
Short answer: no. If you’re moving into an apartment or buying your own home, and have your own vehicle, you’ll need to have a new policy under your name. The plus side? You can bundle that auto policy with your home or renters insurance for extra savings.
What if I’m Living at Home?
There’s no shame in saving some dough and living with your parents, and an additional bonus is you can stay on their auto policy.
Is it Cheaper to Stay on Your Parents’ Insurance Policy?
There are a lot of factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates, like your car’s safety rating, your individual driving history and your age. Sometimes staying on your parents’ policy means you might have access to a few of their discounts, like a multi-car or multi-policy discount. However, that’s not to say you don’t have discounts to consider if you do get your own policy. Read more about ERIE’s affordable car insurance and quality coverage options.
Do I Need My Own Insurance Policy When I Buy a New Car?
Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to have both the car’s registration and auto insurance under the same name. This way it’s easier for insurance companies to process a claim. If you’re still insured under your parents’ policy, the name of each driver should be listed on that policy. However, if you are planning on buying a new car – and purchasing it in your name only – you’ll have to get your own insurance policy, too.
Can I Drive My Parents’ Car, or Vice Versa, if I’m Not on Their Policy?
The answer to the question is yes, on occasion. If you are regularly driving your parents’ (or even a friend’s) vehicle, it’s important to let their insurance agent know so they can add your name to their policy. However, if you just borrow it on occasion, ERIE’s policies cover certain drivers when they are out on the road. Read more about insurance coverage when lending out your car.
Do I Need Renters Insurance if I Live with My Parents?
The owner of the home – your parent – should have homeowners insurance to cover the cost of property damage from an accident. That coverage is based off what your agent and parents agreed was the right value of their home (or the future market value).
What to Do If You Need Your Own Car Insurance
Do your homework, get some quotes and talk to your neighborhood Erie Insurance agent to get the right auto coverage to fit your needs.ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 16 January 2023 | 9:00 pm
11 Hacks to Deal with Snow and Ice on Your Car
Diversity & Inclusion at ERIE
Treating others with dignity and respect has been at the heart of ERIE’s values for nearly a century, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) has been a formal department at ERIE for more than a decade. While our eight employee affinity networks provide a platform for employees to celebrate and educate one another, other programs like our DE&I Awareness training, Employee Resource Groups and DE&I Leadership Council allow us to ensure and protect an even more inclusive workplace.
Learn more about ERIE’s DE&I team and programs or join our team and help contribute to making ERIE a great place to work.
We get it: Winter driving is the worst. You have to wake up earlier since driving anywhere takes so much longer, watch out for black ice, do battle against road salt…
While you probably know the basics of winter driving, you might not always sweep the snow off your car. But you really should.
For starters, it helps keep you and every other driver safer on the road. If that’s not enough of an incentive, in some states it’s against the law to leave snow and ice on your car while driving.
Vehicle Snow Removal Laws
Snow and ice flying from vehicles can endanger drivers and pedestrians. This has prompted several states to pass snow removal laws. Just a few include:
- Pennsylvania: Drivers must make a “reasonable effort” to clear ice and snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours of snow fall stopping. Anyone found violating “Christine’s Law” can be fined $50; if ice or snow flies off and causes injury, the driver can be fined up to $1,500.
- New York: While a specific law was never voted on, New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws prohibit operation of a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. License plates and illumination from head and taillights must also be visible.
- Wisconsin: Drivers must make sure that their windshield, side windows and rear window are clear of ice and snow. Vehicles without “reasonably clean” windows can be fined $175.
How to Correctly Get the Snow and Ice Off Your Car
When you’re brushing off your car, make sure you clear as much snow and ice as you reasonably can. Make sure you clear:
- Roof: Snow and ice flying off your car’s roof can cause accidents and even fatalities. Do yourself and other drivers a favor and take the extra minute to completely clear off the roof.
- Windshield and rear window: Clearing both (not just the windshield) increases your visibility. Be sure to break up snow and ice buildup around your windshield wipers and washer fluid nozzles, too.
- Side windows and side view mirrors: Removing snow from these areas can be just as important as removing it from your windshields since this will enable you to have clear vision to traffic both from the side and rear.
- Head and taillights: Uncovering your headlights and taillights will help other drivers see you—and that’s especially important in poor winter weather conditions.
- License plate: It’s often against the law in many states to have your license plate obstructed in any way. (Plus, it literally takes just one swipe to clear it.)
Hacks for Cleaning Off the Ice and Snow
The good news is that the job can be made easier by following a few simple tips.
- Using your defrosters. Turn on your front and rear defrosters as soon as you start clearing. If you have a push start, now is the time to take advantage of it. Depending on the weather conditions, it’s possible for your entire windshield to become foggy in a matter of seconds. That’s why it’s important to learn how to defog your windshield – and fast. And with the warm air flowing in the inside of your vehicle, it will help to melt the snow and ice faster.
- Give yourself time. Depending on how long your car has been sitting, or how much snow or ice is piled on the windshield – clearing it off can take some time. If it’s a real tough job, you may need a break or two after scraping away at ice for a long stretch of time. Make sure you leave ample time to clear your car before you have to drive your vehicle.
- Watch those wipers. Don’t pull on frozen windshield wipers! This could ruin them. Instead, use an ice scraper to chip away at the ice and give the car defroster time to do its job. Of course, there is the long topic of debate on leaving your wipers up or down. Check out more on that topic from one of our material damage claims quality control managers.
- Avoid hot water. Pouring hot water on ice-cold glass can cause the glass to break. (Plus, the puddle it leaves behind can cause someone to slip and fall.)
- Use a proper snow brush. Shovels and other brushes not marketed for safe use on cars can leave behind scratches. Whether you prefer a foam brush, or an extended reach brush,here’s a guide to help you find the best snow brush to fit your needs.
- Start from the top. Clear snow off of the roof of the car first and work your way down: clearing the top part of the car later could undo the work you did on the bottom half. Make sure you don’t neglect the roof. It helps keep you and other drivers safer on the road.
- Consider using a deicing spray. Save yourself some time by spraying a thin sheet of deicer over all windows of your vehicle. Commercial-grade sprays can make the job faster and easier. You can even make a simple homemade spray with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.
Of course, the best way to deal with winter is to park your car in a garage or carport if you can.
If that’s not possible, try taking these steps beforehand to shorten the process and make it easier on yourself.
- Put plastic bags over your mirrors. Grab a couple rubber bands to help secure them into place.
- Spray a little cooking oil on rubber seals. This will help prevent them from sealing doors shut.
- Cover your windshield with a piece of cardboard, towel or folded sheet. This can help prevent ice from forming in the first place.
- Face your car east when you park at night. The rising sun can help get a jump start on melting the snow and ice.
The Best Winter Protection for Your Car
Another way to protect your car this winter is by having the right auto insurance. An Erie Insurance Agent in your community can help you get the right coverage—at the right price—and get you a quote.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 12 January 2023 | 9:00 pm
